Residential Permitting

All additions require building permits. There may be additional specific zoning requirements associated with the location, height and square footage depending on the zoning classification of each property.

Changing, moving or repairing walls or floors and replacement of drywall that results in a total area of 16 square feet or more in any wall or ceiling requires a building permit.

All detached garages require building permits. There are specific zoning requirements associated with the location, height and square footage depending on the zoning classification of each property and whether or not they include habitable space. For more information, refer to Chapter 5 Supplemental Use Standards, Article 5.301 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Replacement or addition of exterior doors, windows or burglar bars requires a building permit.

Fences in the front yard and projected front yard can be no more than 4 feet tall and open design picket style. Chain link is prohibited in the front yard and projected front yard. Fences may require additional approval if the property is in a historic district. Building permits are required for solid fences with a height above 7 feet and for open fences with a height above 8 feet. Retaining walls greater than 4-feet tall from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall require a permit.

Replacement of decking material, lathing boards, sheathing boards, rafters or ridge boards requires a building permit. Shingle work does not require a permit, but there is a limit on the number of shingle layers allowed.

Roofing FAQs(PDF, 153KB)

All accessory structures require a building permit. This may include gazebos, outdoor fireplaces, fountains with plumbing, wind turbines, solar panels, radio towers, swimming pools, retaining walls, etc. there are additional zoning requirements associated with the location, maximum height and square footage depending on lot size. For more information, refer to Chapter 5 Supplemental Use Standards, Article 5.301 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Changing, installing, moving or repairing plumbing, including water heaters and shower pans requires a plumbing permit. New sprinkler system installations and valve replacement requires a plumbing permit.

Monitored alarm systems that notify the police department must have an alarm permit to receive police response.

Demolition of interior walls or the removal of a building from your property requires a permit.

All carports, including fabric carports, require building permits. Front yard carports require a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

All foundation repairs or new foundations for residential structures require building permits and engineered building plans.

Enclosing a garage for use other than as a garage requires a building permit. A variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment may be required due to the removal of required parking spaces.

All platforms, walks and decks over 6” above grade require a building permit. Certain rules apply to the location of decks and vary by the zoning classification of each property.

All storage buildings require a building permit. There are additional zoning requirements associated with the location, maximum height and square footage, depending upon your lot size.

Replacement of missing or decayed siding requires a building permit.

Changing, moving, or repairing electrical equipment, including electrical services requires an electrical permit.

Changing moving or repairing mechanical equipment such as a central heating and air conditioning system, duct work, and exhaust fans requires a mechanical permit.

Storm shelters that are installed outside either under or above ground or that are installed within a building that require cutting into your foundation or a modification to the existing structure will require a building permit.

Freestanding storm shelters that are installed above ground without utilities within your permanent structure and are attached to the foundation by bolts are not required to be permitted.

New or repairs to driveway approaches and sidewalks require parkway permits pulled by a bonded contractor. Driveway flat work on your own property does not require permitting.